The 10 Best Seafood Restaurants in Raleigh, NC
When dining out in Raleigh, North Carolina, you will find a diverse range of eateries from which you can choose. These vary from budget-friendly establishments to fine dining restaurants, and there is cuisine from all four corners of the globe on offer. If you are a fan of seafood, then you will favor restaurants that specialize in serving fish and seafood dishes. There are plenty of options in this city, with something to suit all tastes and budgets. Here are the 10 best seafood restaurants in Raleigh, NC.
10. N.C. Seafood Restaurant
A fantastic place to enjoy a casual seafood lunch is at N.C. Seafood Restaurant. This restaurant is located within the North Carolina Farmer’s Market on Agriculture Street in Raleigh. The menu consists of top-quality seafood that is fried Calabash style. It has earned an excellent reputation due to both the quality of the food served and for its affordable prices. Some of the seafood options available include catfish, trout, oysters, shrimp, crab, and clams. Diners have the option of either eating in or ordering food to take out.
9. Cortez Seafood and Cocktail
There is a Mexican flavor to many of the dishes on the menu at Cortez Seafood and Cocktail. The Mexican theme also extends to the cocktails on the drinks list. Each of the dishes on the menu is created using food sourced from the local farmer’s market and local seafood suppliers. It is an affordable option, especially if you visit during their happy hours, which take place from 5 pm to 6 pm from Tuesday through to Sunday. There is a fun ambiance in this restaurant that is perfect for dining with friends.
8. Bruno Seafood and Steak
If you are a fan of Italian food, then one of the best seafood restaurants in Raleigh is Bruno’s Seafood and Steak. There is something on the menu for both seafood enthusiasts and meat lovers at this restaurant on Galleria Avenue, and all the dishes are inspired by Italian cuisine. The chef is committed to using fresh and local produce, which is evident in the quality of the food. Diners say that this place has a fantastic vibe that add to the overall dining experience.
7. Seasons 52
A great place to enjoy a meal on a special occasion is Seasons 52. This bar ad grill on Menaul Boulevard has a menu that changes seasonally, and they use produce from local growers and fishmongers. One reason that diners enjoy eating here is that there is an open kitchen, so they can see their food being prepared. Rustic techniques such as grilling over an open fire or roasting in a brick oven are used. Seasons 52 has received excellent reviews from former diners, and these reviews praise the food, the service, and the inviting atmosphere.
6. 42nd Street Oyster Bar & Seafood Grill
WRAL.com says that locals will always include 42nd Street Oyster Bar & Seafood Grill on their list of the best places to eat seafood. It is one of the rare places that is just as suitable for fine dining as it is for a casual meal. This is because the food that is served is exquisite, but the surroundings have a casual and welcoming vibe. For many people, the fresh oysters at the oyster bar are the best part of visiting this restaurant as it is probably the best place to eat oysters in Raleigh. You will find this restaurant on West Jones Street.
5. Firebirds Wood Fired Grill
The bold flavors of the food and the inviting atmosphere are just two of the factors that attract people to this restaurant on Lassiter North Hills Avenue. Diners at this restaurant can enjoy drink specials and bar bites at the firebar and patio during happy hours. In addition to the multiple fish and seafood dishes on the main menu, diners can also order steaks. This restaurant is also known for its signature cocktails and an extensive wine list.
4. Cape Fear Seafood Company
Cape Food Seafood Company is located on Spring Forest Road. This casual eatery is known amongst the locals for its outstanding bisques and clam chowder. Diners at this restaurant have praised the excellent customer service and the diversity of the menu. It is open for both lunch and dinner service.
3. Jack’s Seafood Restaurant
At this restaurant, which has been open since 1980, the menu consists of southern-style dishes. This is a no-frills option that is ideal for eating out with friends. Most of the fish and seafood are fried, and there are also chicken options on the menu. They pride themselves on serving only the freshest seafood that diners can enjoy in a cozy setting. The staff is friendly and there is the option to take out your meal, although no delivery service is available. You will find Jack’s Seafood Restaurant on New Bern Avenue.
2. Rey’s Restaurant
This restaurant is named after its owner, and it is located on Buck Jones Road. It has a casual vibe that is great for dining out with friends. The menu is inspired by the cuisine of New Orleans, with most of the options featuring fish or seafood. Other than the main dining area, there is the Voodoo Lounge. This lounge serves the same food, but diners can also enjoy drinks at the bar and live music on Saturdays.
1. Mayflower Seafood Restaurant
According to Trip 101, the best seafood restaurant in Raleigh, NC, is the Mayflower Seafood Restaurant. You can order fish and seafood cooked in various manners, from broiled to fried. There is a vast selection of both appetizers and entrees, including options for vegetarians, meat-eaters, and those with special dietary requirements. It is a family-friendly establishment that offers a kids’ menu and free soft drinks for children. If you only dine in one restaurant during your time in Raleigh, then this is a good choice.
